The government helps communities connect and thrive by supporting culture and community initiatives.
DJSIR’s Multicultural Arts Victoria’s NEWPRINT program empowers black, Aboriginal, people of colour or culturally and racially marginalised–identifying event producers to design, curate and deliver live music events.
Each year, producers work in pairs with full creative freedom to deliver dynamic events, supported by mentorships and training. In 2024–25 NEWPRINT empowered 16 producers, delivered 30 events and showcased more than 200 artists.
By fostering inclusion and amplifying diverse voices, NEWPRINT is shaping a more representative and vibrant live music culture in Victoria (DJSIR: $200,000 in 2024–25).
DPC’s Multicultural Festivals and Events Program supported 393 organisations to deliver multicultural festivals and events across the state during 2024–25 (DPC: $2.5 million in 2024–25).
The Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund supported 85 regional multicultural organisations to hold events in regional Victoria (DPC: $1.187 million in 2024–25).
In 2024–25 the Multicultural Seniors Support Program supported close to 1,000 multicultural seniors’ organisations, reaching more than 142,000 members across 46 local government areas. The program helped fund social and cultural activities, improved seniors’ digital accessibility and literacy, provided practical support and purchased essential equipment and resources for members (DPC: $2 million in 2024–25).
DJCS funded the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association to deliver the Indo-Chinese Prisoner Support Program. The program offered culturally responsive individual and family support through information and advocacy to Indo-Chinese prisoners both pre- and post-release. The service aims to assist people in prison to maintain, establish or re-establish links with family, friends and the community through assertive outreach, case management and, based on need, supplying material aid to improve reintegration (DJCS: $195,000 in 2024–25).
Case study: Indian Film Festival of Melbourne – celebrating diversity through cinema
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) brings together Victoria’s vibrant Indian and South Asian communities, local audiences and emerging filmmakers. It provides a platform for cultural exchange and industry connection, benefiting both established and emerging talent, supported by VicScreen’s funding and initiatives.
Victoria is home to one of Australia’s largest Indian communities, yet diverse voices in cinema often face barriers to visibility and representation. IFFM addresses this by showcasing authentic storytelling and creating opportunities for under-represented filmmakers.
Held annually in Melbourne, IFFM celebrated its 15th festival in 2024–25 with an in-person audience of 33,840 and 113,250 plays online. IFFM featured more than 70 films in more than 30 languages, alongside flagship events such as the flag-raising ceremony, dance competition and the IFFM Awards Night. Highlights included the premiere of the VicScreen-supported film My Melbourne and the Regional Rhapsody program launch, expanding screenings to Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton. Initiatives like the Emerging Talent Support Fund and the film My Melbourne amplified diverse voices, including LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities and female filmmakers.
IFFM strengthens cultural inclusion and industry diversity. By championing authentic storytelling and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, IFFM has become a cornerstone of Victoria’s multicultural arts calendar.
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